Employees Only...and now I can see why

Yuck! The food at this place is definitely subpar...but I can see the hype, because the cocktail menu (at $14 a drink) compiles a list of creative and delicious drinks. Employees Only is a place that one would pass on a normal day. On the surface, it looks like a psychic's venue, with no windows revealing the contents inside. Once you enter through the curtain in the front, revealed is a beautiful bar, great music, and a few tables in the back for those who fall for the dinner menu. My advice: don't. Food is not so great.

I went with my friend Adam, and I think it's safe to say for the both of us that the best item we tasted was the bread and white dip (it was never specified, but I believe it was their version of the tsadziki sauce). Our Salads were greasy and unexciting - I order the arugala salad with oyster mushrooms, but the oyster mushrooms were so discreet that I would never have guessed they were in there, and to be honest, I wasn't too happy once they were discovered. Doused in oil and fried to a crisp, they almost tasted like a decayed calamari. Sorry, I'm being a bit harsh. My meal took place 20 minutes ago.

For my entree, I ordered the mussel roast pan - mussels out of the shell with mushrooms in spinach. It tasted good after two glasses of wine, but the oil and greasiness couldn't escape me. Chunks of bread absorbed the butter that had been poured over the dish, and it tasted like a big dish of seafood swimming in butter. I tasted Adam's mashed potatoes (accompanied by duck), and had I not known what he order I would have guessed it was dessert. Mashed potatoes have never in my life have never tasted closer to whipped cream.

I feel badly for giving such a harsh review, because I would admit I would return. I would return to employees only for a one drink session - to meet a long lost friend or a fellow employee. Something quick at the bar to sample a delectable $14 drink. Yes, the drinks and service are quite good.

But don't go for the food.

Love,
Erin

The Smith - I like this place

Saturday night my friend Sonia (yes, the sonia of the soniaevers.com blog) and I were racking our brains for a place to eat pre- big night out. We wanted light food or small plates, but we didn't want to spend a ton of money: a no frills, happening place with tasty bites. So instantly, I thought of the Smith, a restaurant I discovered last month and have returned to at least 3 times since. The Smith is reminiscent of place called Perry's I used to frequent in San Francisco - there's a great, rough, bar crowd, but cocktails are perfection and there's a plethora of menu items to please the anorexics, the fatties, the pretentious, and the steak and potatoes lovers. It's tough to get seated right away - I have never been without waiting at least 15 minutes - but making a reservation reduces the wait time significantly and it's always fun to sit at the bar. The space reminds me of a mix between an upscale diner and a camp cafeteria with wooden chairs, wood paneled ceilings, and black and white tiled floors. The atmosphere is always fun, lively, and friendly - people often come with groups and it tends to get loud, but the space is large enough to keep it from getting annoying. Definitely a perfect pump up for a night out.

Sonia and I ordered exclusively off of the appetizer list to supplement our stiff Manhattan and Martini cocktails (when I say stiff, I mean STIFF). We order tuna tartare with a soy dressing that, while looking identical to steak tartare, was really fresh, perfectly textured, and and tangy (in a good way). We also ordered the alsatian thin crust pizza that came covered with bacon, caramelized onions and creme fraiche - my only complaint is that I wish it had been a larger portion. We also ordered the arugula salad with shaved fennel, which was quite a standout. I was expecting something boring but the dressing really brought this fresh salad to life. And of course, Sonia and I chowed down on the constantly flowing baguettes with salted butter - a huge value add for those carb lovers.

Our server was very patient and friendly despite the obvious need to rotate tables for the crowd by the bar, and I have noticed that all the servers are equally friendly and beautiful (aspiring actresses maybe?). I have been for brunch, and highly recommend it as they serve a free mimosa with every main dish (though only after 12pm due to NY city law). Their main course selection is great for those who just want straight up delicious, home cooked food without slaving in the kitchen or spending a fortune.

Go here if you want a sit down, tasty meal to accompany a stream of cocktails. Then, head over to the Pour House across the street to continue the debauchery.

Address: 55 3rd avenue between 10th and 11th street.
Website: www.ctrnyc.com/thesmith

Cafe Condesa - my favorite Sleeper in NYC

(image from NYtimes.com)

Ohhhhhhhhh how I loved this place from the start. In fact, I've been there 4 times since I first discovered it in November. From the outside it appears to be a typical New York cafe - large windows expose small wooden tables spread just inches apart in front of a long coffee bar. Though the decor is simple, there is a charm that makes you feel like you're inside your family's living room with mom cooking dinner in the kitchen. The two chefs stand directly behind the counter preparing the meals for the low number of customers that can actually squeeze inside the place (high ceilings, but only 22 seats), so the scents of grilled salmon and roasted rack of lamb waft throughout.

One would expect a place with such a rustic feel would serve at most paninis and omelets - but the menu is SUCH a pleasant surprise. Hot, classic, elegantly presented main dishes with modern twists range from $12 to $15, while unique and healthy appetizers range from just $6 to $9. Quaint, warm atmosphere, amazingly friendly service, wide array of (delicious) menu choices, and affordable prices - now that is rare combo for New York City.

Ok - let's talk about the food. I have ordered the Pan Seared Scallops (just $13.75!) twice, and both times they were delicious. Served with lightly charred cauliflower, perfectly roasted brussel sprout leaves, and a thin layer of mashed potatoes and roasted poblano pepper sauce, this dish is perfect for a light, yet filling meal. Oh man - if you like mushrooms and cheese, then you must order my favorite: portabello 3 cheese salad. This salad is probably my favorite salad I have ever tasted - perfect balsamic glazed portabello mushrooms are stuffed with three sorts of white cheese, chilled and serve on a bed of lightly dressed spinach. No salt or pepper needed - it's always perfectly seasoned and just enough for a light lunch or a substantial appetizer. I've also tried the warm brie cheese served with Honey and pine nuts - honestly, melt in your mouth. The sausage cavatelli was also delicious - mainly because it comes out piping hot and oozing with cheese and flavor. And for those looking for more of a meatless main course, there's a vegetable plate that, while sounding mundane, is a perfectly grilled and flavored array of their daily selection accompanied by the smoothest, buttery mashed potatoes you'll ever taste.

Ok so obviously I'm overzealous about this place. But, it's such a wonderful gem in a city of swanky, pretentious restaurants and I thank God everyday that I discovered it. And the thrill doesn't end with dinner - their desserts are PHENOMENAL. Both the pecan tart and warm chocolate cake are served warm with a large scoop of ice cream. Oh man. Good thing this place is a block from my house.

So, if you haven't gotten the message yet I'll reiterate it: try this place (but don't spread it around).

Address: 183 West 10th between West 4th and 7th avenue
Website: www.cafecondesa.com

Serendipity - Go but go only for what it's known for: Dessert

The trick about this place:
The only way to avoid the queue for entry is to make a reservation.
The only way to make a reservation is to do so for lunch or dinner (no dessert resos allowed).
The catch: the food sucks, and for the quantity and quality it's far overpriced.

But, that's just the journey you have to endure to get to the prize. Eating the dinner food there is like the torture of going to the gym when all you want is the endorphins that arrive after the fact. I won't even waste time reporting about the $15 chicken "sandwich" with one slice of bread and no fries or salad accompanying it. It's not worth talking about how tasteless the chicken was and how awkward it was to eat a piled high sandwich with a knife and fork. I'll focus on what this place is famous for: their decadent, enormous, and sinfully delicous desserts. Yes, they may be slightly inflated in price (sundaes ranging from $10 to $1000, no joke) due to this restaurant's tourist appeal, but for a special occasion, it's entirely worth hiking up to the upper east side to get a sundae the size of a bowling ball.*

I went for my friend Ashley's birthday, so indulging was essential. We ordered the "Forbidden Broadway Sundae" - chocolate "blackout cake," hot fudge, vanilla ice cream and loads of whipped cream, the "Ultimate Creme de la Creme Cheesecake" - cheese cake with hot fudge and strawberries, and of course, the ultra celebrated Serendipity Frrrozen hot chocolate. The sundae was undoubtedly delicious - each element of it was incredible, down to the very last morsel of moist, dense chocolate cake. The cheesecake was good (though I'm not a fan so not a great judge) with a walnut crust and fluffy filling. The frozen hot chocolate was bomb.com. Surprisingly, though loaded with calories, it's quite light and refreshing. It's not as dense and filling as a milkshake (or hot chocolate, for that matter), because you can taste the mini ice crystals that make the dish ice cold and soothing to the throat. It's just sweet and chocolatey enough to do the job of dessert, and it's a great replacement to ice cream (I started dipping the rest of the chocolate cake from the sundae in the frozen hot choc - excessive, I know). In light of all the hype, I agree it is a must buy if you go here. Along with the charming atmosphere which I describe as Alice and Wonderland -esque, this place is pretty good at transforming fantasy into reality.

Bottom line: if you hate waiting in line, just suck it up and make a reservation for a meal. If you don't mind waiting for more than an hour, just go and get ready to eat a massive amount of dessert.

Address: 225 East 60th St. btwn 2nd and 3rd avenue.
Website: http://www.serendipity3.com/
(Checkout the "latest news" on the website to find out the restaurant's most recent celeb visits).

*This blog is subject to exaggerations

Cafe Mogador - All around great except for the wait!!

I have heard sooo many great things about Cafe Mogador and last night confirmed that all of those things were true. It's one of the few Morrocan restaurants I have been to with a full bar, and the cocktails are reasonably priced, creative, and tasty (though beware of the Cranberry Fizz, it's pretty sour). Plan to have a drink at the bar if you go any time after 7:30pm - but don't worry about service - the bartenders are very friendly and fast. The ambiance of Cafe Mogador is great for groups. Tables are cramped so it gets bustling and loud, and the waiters are so high movement that the energy is kept really high throughout. The menu is great - tons of cheap and filling Mediterranean platters (I had the Mixed platter with babaganoush, Hummus, tabouleh, and greek Salad) that are accompanied by layers of warm, fluffy pita. Start off with one of those if you are in a group of four or less. For a starter, I tried the cous cous stuffed calamari which were light, delicate, and beautifully presented. The acidity was perfect and the calamari was incredibly thin and tender. For my main course I had the chicken skewers - the menu consists of a variety of skewers including lamb, sausage, and a combo of them all - that came with rice, roasted vegetables, and a tomato salad on the side. The portions were perfect, the chicken was simple but perfectly char grilled, and the basmati rice was so flavorful that it gave me a new found love of white rice. The portions aren't huge, so expect to be hungry for dessert, which they do quite well also. The strawberry rhubarb crisp came out bubbling hot with a big scoop of unmelted vanilla ice cream - a very rare commodity with hot desserts. The dessert was just sweet enough and tart enough to finish off the meal right, as generally fruit desserts are far too sweet for my liking. The tab for four people, including four drinks, one appetizer platter, four main courses and one dessert came out to....drum roll please...only $100. What a steal for a entertaning Friday night dinner!!

I'll definitely be back to this gem of a restaurant in the East Village, and I highly encourage you to do to the same. Go with a group and arrive hungry for a meal of shared food, fun atmosphere, and speedy waitstaff performance.

Address: 101 St. Marks Place between first and A (closer to first)
Website: www.cafemogador.com
(Don't take the online menu as true to life, as there is a whole additional insert of classic American cuisine with Morrocan twists such as Risotto, Roast Chicken, Rack of lamb, and skirt steak).

Magnolia Bakery...don't be fooled by the cupcakes' beauty - they're gross

A quick note in reference to the 3 different Magnolia Bakery treats I tasted today - Magnolia Bakery is incredibly overrated. The cake frostings are excruciatingly sweet, you almost have to cough to allow yourself to breath after swallowing a bite. The cake itself, both vanilla and devils food, is tasteless and dry. To step out of my zone I tried the coconut cake - the meringue frosting made me reminiscent of the good old cream cheese frosting that made me start loving coconut cake in the first place. My advice: skip the line wrapping around the block for these treats and walk straight to the chocolate shop on West 10th and Bleecker for a quick sweet fix.

ALTA

Hi to my loyal blog fans (dad)! Sorry I have been MIA - it's really a shame considering I have tried SO MANY great restaurants since I wrote my last entry. But as a new year's resolution, I am really going to try to update my blog as much as possible, with pictures included. AND, I am going to try to make the entries more "short and sweet" - less blabbing, more precision. So, let's get started.

I've heard so many great things about ALTA, so I was so excited to get a reservation for Friday night. The restaurant is tucked away in Greenwich village (65 W 10th btwn 5th and 6th), but once you go down the few steps to enter, you are exposed to a long, sophisticated bar that leads you to a 2 story dimly lit, romantically warm space accompanied with a fireplace in the back of the first floor. Upstairs tables are arranged on a balcony surrounding the first floor, allowing a birds eye view of everyone's food choices down below.

Mike and I ordered (after 20 minutes of narrowing down)
1. Coca small plate - catalonian flatbread with ricotta cheese and mushrooms
2. Warm vegetable salad - artichokes and haricot verts with a creme fraiche truffled vinaigrette
3. Pulled pork empanadas
4. Grilled Quail in mustard marinade
5. Grilled chorizo wrapped gulf shrimp
6. Parmesan ricotta gnocchi with tomato, pepper sauce, pesto, and pancetta
7. Avocado Relleno with crab and shrimp
8. Warm chocolate cake with coconut gelato

Yes, we ordered a ton. But the chef suggests about 3 plates per person, and they had accidentally brought out the empanadas. Overall, the food was extremely disappointing. LOVE the concept, LOVE the vibe of the place, LOVE small plates, and LOVE the variety, but it just wasn't executed well. The portions were all paltry and the taste was lacking. The flatbread was tough and greesy, though flavorful. The warm vegetable salad was tasty, but again, slightly oily and not arousing. The pork empanadas were completely unexciting - tiny as hell and tasted like a microwaved frozen appetizer. The grilled quail had about 1oz of flavorless meat. The thick cut smoky chorizo overpowered the wimpy somewhat chewy shrimp - a tad thinner would have made the dish acceptable. The gnocchi was disgusting - the sweet jam like sauce completely detracted from the flavor and texture of the actual dumpling. The plate that I would actually applaud was the avocado relleno - thin layers of avocado wrapping a light mixture of shrimp and crabmeat with a tasty vinaigrette. Very light and delicous. The chocolate cake was...eh...chocolate cake. Nothing special, and needed ice cream, not sorbet. Sorbet is to be eaten alone or with berries, not cake!

So, after all the hype of this place I was very surprised at the mediocre taste of the dishes that seemed so promising from the menu descriptions. I would still recommend this place for a group of people looking for a fun time (good sangria) and a variety of light food (in terms of portions) before a night out. The vibe is fun, the service is great - just don't expecting award winning food.

Address: 64 West 10th between 5th and 6th
Website: www.altarestaurant.com